Testimonials on Teaching

“Samm, just wanted to say thanks again for the lesson. It has been paying off. I went undefeated Monday night in my 9 ball league and last night in 8 ball. My team mates and the guy helping to run the league commented to me that I was playing much better. I’ll be back later for some additional instruction.”
Bryan B.
Colorado Springs, CO
October 2012

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“She is not only a superior, skilled and, more especially, a dedicated teacher of the various games of pocket billiards, but she is an exceptionally good person as well. More than anybody can expect of an educator.

And just who am I to praise her so? Well, I am an 80 year old geezer who had only been playing for about two years before I met up with Samm and took some lessons from her. She has taught me to make shots and play more skillfully than I ever dreamed of. Assuming you are younger than me, you should be able to do just that much better with Samm as your pool instructor!”
Bob C.
Denver, CO
August 2010

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I saw Samm shooting at an M-8 Tournament in Minnesota. And about a year later I decided to take some Lessons.

Samm had nothing bad to say about my fundamentals, after some small corrections my game has been improving a lot. Samm is the best teacher since I have been out of school. Samm loves the game of pool and knows her stuff. She is a GREAT asset as a teacher. Take a lesson from Samm you won’t be dissapointed. Thank you for your time and friendship. Look forward to seeing you again!!!!!“
Kenny B.
Ham Lake, MN
June 2010

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I met Samm several years ago at a pool clinic she was doing, and I became a fan immediately. Not only is her personality warm and welcoming, her knowledge of the game, and her ability to shoot and instruct pool, is a gift. I was so impessed with Samm that our club (Grays On Trays) hired her to run a charity 9-Ball pool tournament in February of 2008. Samm did such a great job, it was unanimous that Samm run the 2009 tournament as well.“
Tom W.
Denver, CO
November 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“It seems like every one sort of knows how to play pool and I wanted to learn. I was going to try reading a book “Pool for Dummies” or “The Idiots Guide to Pool” but luckily my boyfriend gave me Pool Lessons from Samm for Christmas. Learning one on one is the way to go. I was very intimidated prior to meeting her but with in the first few minutes I was completely comfortable. Samm is very approachable and easy to be around. I started from ground zero. She started with stance and how to hold the cue. I am talking ground zero!! She’s a pro but assessed my skill level and needs immediately. I wish I had a pool table in my basement so I could practice more! “
Deb A.
Aurora, CO
October 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“After taking only two lessons from Samm I can see incredible increase in my skill level. She is a talented teacher who has fine tuned my skills to make me a more confident player in every aspect of the game. “
Jeff A.
Boulder, CO
October 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I learned to shoot pool many years ago in the “seedy” “Old School” East Coast Pools halls. I had’nt picked up a “stick” in 6 years and was very humbled by my terrible, in my eyes game. I took a lesson from Samm and she was on top of the little things, patient and fun with a Great Eye. You will not be dissapointed and your game will improve. She is EXCELLENT!!!!!”
Lincoln P.
Aurora, CO
October 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I feel very fortunate to have crossed paths with Samm. Not only is she a great teacher, she is a very genuine and sweet person. I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned in her clinics and apply them to my game, both physically and mentally, and have seen notable improvement. Thank you for your friendship and knowledge!”
Aimee P.
Aurora, CO
October 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I started playing pool 40+ years ago with no instruction and I developed a lot of bad habits. Since joining a pool league and getting serious I have read a lot (20+ books) and talked to a lot of people about my game. I have managed to clean up quite a few things on my own. I’ve used a video camera etc. For a long time I had been frustrated with a problem in my stroke that I did not know how to address. Not everything is in the books. My friends had no suggestions. I was at a stand still. I knew I was missing something and that affected my confidence too. It was time for some professional help. Samm didn’t have a lot to say about my fundamentals. They are pretty solid. She did suggest two small things to try differently to address my primary complaint. These suggestions were right on the money. Of course it destroyed my game initially. It takes some practice to make changes work for you. In my case, I started to get a lot more action and I kind of lost control of my cue ball positioning for a while. Now, with some practice things have improved. It’s still a little strange doing things differently from 40 years of (bad) habits. My game is doing better though. I am winning a bit more often. My confidence has come back since I have an explanation for my problem too. I’m not choking on as many shots. Several people have commented on how my stroke looks much more fluid too. All this lets me enjoy playing more. It was certainly time well spent. “
Craig W.
Melbourne, FL
October 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Samm is a great instructor! She is very patient and works with your current skills (and flaws) to improve your game and confidence!”
Jennifer B.
Aurora, CO
October 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I have played pool for many years, many of those years on organized leagues. My Wife surprised me with a Christmas present of some lesson sessions from Samm a couple of years ago (something I would have NEVER done on my own), and not only did all aspects of my game improve, but learning from Sammy was a delightful experience. The lessons started out with the basics ( Boy, did I need help on those basics…), and progressed rapidly into more advanced areas that have helped me every time I pick up a stick. Samm is a Teacher, complete with the experience, organized lesson plans, and the natural people person skills that all good teachers posess. I could give no higher recommendation to anyone wanting to improve their game, than to invest some time with this delightful pro billiard player.”
John H.
Elizabeth, CO
September 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“My learning experience with Samm has been totally worthy. She LOVES this sport and knows her stuff. She has the patience and ability to take the most inexperienced player and turn them into one who can play with the correct mechanics and with confidence. 5 STARS!!”
Kevin V.
Bismarck, ND
September 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Samm has been very helpful to me with my pool game. She has helped me refine my basic fundamentals which has allowed me to improve. Samm has the ability to meet you on your level and show you how to improve your game. I feel that the free clinics that she holds have really been a help to me, and it’s too bad that other pool players don’t take advantage of the free clinics that Samm offers. Samm is one of the GOOD people in pool and I find it refreshing that she is willing to gave back to the game that she is sooo passionate for, Thank you Samm.”
Terry E.
Littleton, CO
September 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Samm really helped me understand the overall concepts and techniques of the game. I’ve improved so much since I started attending her clinics! It definitely feels good to be able to challenge people in the bar, and win!”
Philana H.
Boulder, CO
September 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Samm is very passionate about the sport and gets very excited about her students success.”
Bruce D.
Parker, CO
September 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I had the opportunity to attend a free clinc at Rack ’em, and I was the only one there. I got a chance to get one-on-one instruction from Samm, and I found her to be genuine, professional, and helpful. I got a lot of good feedback about how to improve my game. I would recommend her instruction to anyone who is looking to improve his or her game.”
Sara W.
Littleton, CO
September 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Samm approaches her teaching with a warm smile and a love of the game. Her style and grace show wisdom beyond her age, and make each session with her a pleasure. I have benefitted greatly from Samm’s instruction and look forward to learning more from her.”
Doug L.
Arvada, CO
September 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“You never feel intimidated or ashamed during a lesson; Samm is so light and approachable. She sees even the smallest details and points them out in a non-patronizing way, but she also helps you prioritize your needs so that you see progress in your game as quickly as possible. A great experience whether you just need a few tips so as not to embarrass yourself at bars or are thinking about entering a serious tournament.”
Maria R.
Superior, CO
September 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Hey Samm, thanks for the lesson today. Even though you crushed me in those three sets, I learned a ton. I played for two more hours tonight and my improvement is night and day.”
Jeff A.
Erie, CO
September 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I know you might feel you didn’t have a lot to show me for a first lesson but believe me, I expect a profound long range improvement here. I have had this bad habit for 40 years and no one has been able to show me a way to even start fixing it. Of course, I have only known it was a problem for the last 15 years or so and I didn’t play much pool for 12 of those years. Your advice is already making a difference. Like any change, it will take practice, but improving is what makes this game fun.”
Craig W.
Melbourne, FL
May 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Thanks for all the help you have given me with my game, it has been VERY refreshing to be a part of your clinics and I’m proud to say that I’ve taken lessons and instruction from Samm Diep. I really believe that with the help you and Mike have giving me I have been able to take my game to the next level. I’m looking forward to continuing my sessions with you.And one of these days I WILL be as good as you and mike. I believe, and I think you do too that it is important to give back to the game. Good luck on your trip and I will see you soon.”
Terry E.
Littleton, CO
April 2009

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Thank you so much for your visit to the Eagle’s Club. We enjoyed meeting you, as well as your clinic at The Pool Table Company. It was a real treat when you came to the Eagle’s pool room. We talk about it still. I’m framing and placing your autographed picture in our trophy case today. We really enjoyed the sentiment over your signature. It was our honor to have you visit us. If you are out our way again, please let us know. We may want you to give a clinic at the club. It would be nice to see you again. Thank you once again!”
Myron W.
Bakersfield, CA
September 2008

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Thanks for coming out and hanging with us for a couple of days. Everyone who was here enjoyed you and the help you gave them. Hopefully we can do it again sometime in the future.”
Dan J.
Bakersfield, CA
August 2008

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I just wish you to know how much of an HONOR it was to meet you. You were just a kind and wonderful young lady as well as a great pool player. I sincerely hope that was just a beginning of many times seeing you and corresponding with you. I know you stay extremely busy, but please say hi whenever you can. I learn A LOT from you both from Youtube videos.”
John R.
Jacksonville, FL
August 2008

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I want to say that I appreciate all the time you have spent teaching me and really find you a very good instructor. A lot of people know a lot of things but do not have the skills to teach them. You have the knowledge and skills, especially the skill to teach to the level of the student. Thank you for your time.”
William M.
Aurora, CO
June 2008

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Finally got my ducks in a row. Thanks for your hard work and all the fun you brought to us. Thanks to you, I got out of the slump I was fighting. Your parting advice of the first lesson—you remember— 1. Smooth stroke. 2. Follow through. 3. Don’t jump up. Life is beautiful again.”
Gordon P.
Denver, CO
May 2008

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I can’t tell you how much your two lessons have helped my pool except to say that my team is in 2nd place Tuesday nights and I’ve become the anchor instead of the guy that sometimes was hot.”
John H.
Aurora, CO
April 2008

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“Last nights clinic was awesome! I am learning SO much. And you really helped me understand the purpose of the exercises you taught me at our last lesson. I can really apply what you showed me now to my homework. I hope to be ready for another lesson in about two weeks. Tuesdays really work for me and I will be at next weeks clinic. You have the patience of a saint.”
Kevin V.
Bismarck, ND
September 2005

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“I’m really excited and just wanted you to know. We played a team that we are very close to (talent wise) and I beat their team captain on the last game!!! I’m so excited. I just took one shot at a time. I actually had no anxiety. It was quite weird really. It was so cool to beat him. I must say I was quite happy with my playing last night. I only won 1 game, but I did my best and even made a bank using the double table theory. Thanks for all your help.”
Elaine D.
January 2005